In running over the pages of our history for seven hundred years, we shall scarcely find a single great event which has not promoted equality of condition. The Crusades and the English wars decimated the nobles and divided their possessions: the municipal corporations introduced democratic liberty into the bosom of feudal monarchy; the invention of fire-arms equalized the vassal and the noble on the field of battle; the art of printing opened the same resources to the minds of all classes; the post-office brought knowledge alike to the door of the cottage and to the gate of the palace; and Protestantism proclaimed that all men are alike able to find the road to heaven. The discovery of America opened a thousand new paths to fortune, and led obscure adventurers to wealth and power. Alexis De Tocqueville
About This Quote

At first glance, it seems that the only way to equalize the conditions of people is through war. However, there are so many other avenues for equality to be found. Even in distant lands, citizens are able to communicate with one another and find their fortunes. If all men are alike able to find the road to heaven, then perhaps it is inevitable for all men to find their fortunes no matter where they may be on earth.

Source: Democracy In America

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